- Initial supervised trial runs are set to launch in 2025, followed by fully driverless operations in 2026.
- Long-term plans include integrating the robotaxi service with Dubai’s transportation network.
Pony AI (NASDAQ: PONY) has recently taken a significant step in its expansion into the Middle East by entering a partnership with Dubai’s Road Traffic Authority (RTA). This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the company, laying the groundwork for the deployment of its innovative robotaxi fleet within the bustling city of Dubai.
According to the details shared by Pony AI, the rollout of their autonomous driving technology will occur in several phases. Excitingly, initial supervised trials are set to commence in 2025, with plans to transition to fully driverless operations by 2026. This progressive timeline showcases the company’s ambition to lead the charge in autonomous transport not just locally, but on a global scale.
Dubai’s own vision—known as the “2030 Smart City Vision”—aims to convert 25% of its transportation to autonomous modes by 2030. This goal aligns seamlessly with Pony AI’s strategic plan. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at RTA, emphasized the partnership’s significance, stating, “This partnership is integral to our goal of transforming 25% of all journeys in the city into autonomous trips by 2030.” Such collaboration positions both Pony AI and Dubai as pioneers in technological advancement in urban transport.
Looking ahead, Pony AI is gearing up for the mass production and deployment of its seventh-generation robotaxi, expected to launch in the second half of 2025. This new model was unveiled recently at the Auto Shanghai 2025 event and features an Autopilot Kit hardware suite designed to drastically reduce material costs by a whopping 70%. This innovation not only highlights Pony AI’s commitment to efficiency but also its potential to make autonomous taxi services more accessible.
The ambitious plan to scale its global robotaxi fleet to thousands of vehicles over the next couple of years reflects the company’s confidence in large-scale commercial deployment, which it identifies as 2025. In pursuing this goal, Pony AI has already secured robotaxi test licenses in four major markets: the United States, China, South Korea, and Luxembourg.
In China, the company has successfully developed fully self-driving ride-hailing services across several major cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. With around 300 robotaxi vehicles in operation, these are strategically deployed near high-traffic areas like the Beijing South Railway Station and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, ensuring convenience for passengers.
“We’ve built up real expertise in robotaxis from years of operations in China, and now we’re bringing that know-how to Dubai,” remarked Leo Wang, CFO of Pony AI. This wealth of experience will be essential as Pony AI transitions into the Dubai market, where the challenges and opportunities can differ significantly from other regions.
Long-term ambitions extend beyond just the deployment of robotaxi services; Pony AI envisions a comprehensive integration with Dubai’s existing transportation network. This would encompass connections with the metro, tram, and even maritime routes, ultimately crafting a seamless travel experience that leverages cutting-edge self-driving technology while complementing the established infrastructure.
On a broader scale, Pony AI stands as one of the leading players in the robotaxi sector in China, with a notable recent partnership announced with Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER). This collaboration is expected to take off in key Middle Eastern markets later this year, with future ambitions to expand into more international territories as the company continues to innovate and evolve within the autonomous driving landscape.
Pony AI could be listed in Hong Kong this year, according to Bloomberg.
